Morihei Ueshiba, the founder, was looking for a way to integrate spirituality and philosophical growth into martial arts. Aikido is intended to immobilize the opponent without harming him. Most of the techniques used in aikido are either holds or throws, and all take advantage of the opponent's movements to gain momentum and increase force. Based on skills and techniques that were used by the Samurai and other Japanese warriors, Aikido has basically only twenty techniques. But the combinations in which they can be used are almost endless. Aikido has techniques in which a sword (bokken), a wooden stave (jo) or a wooden knife (tanto) may be used as well as techniques that do not require the use of any weapons.

In Aikido, uke (the attacker) and nage (the defender) are not supposed to engage in a war of brute force, testing the strength of each other with needless force. On the contrary, as the name of Aikido suggests, nage is supposed to harmonize with uke’s move, receive uke’s energy and redirect this energy back to him/her using body motions without initiating any direct offense. The critical feature is to control the balance of the attacker. The way to achieve this is to push his center off balance through keeping constant motion instead of a static body.

Since Aikido techniques do not demand physical strength or aggressive spirit, it is practiced by people of all ages and physical make up, by women just as well as by men It is based on full and natural body movement, it exercises every limb and joint of the body. Flexibility, muscle tone, co-ordination, quick reactions are all developed. It does not demand unnatural body building preparation but is an absorbing way to keep fit along natural lines and within a framework of aesthetic movement.

Aikido was recognized as a martial art in Japan in 1941, and was introduced to the West in the 1950s. France was the first country to open an aikido dojo, or school in 1953, closely followed by the US and Germany.

The real way of the warrior is based on compassion, wisdom, fearlessness, and love of nature.

So taught the great Morihei Ueshiba (1883–1969), founder of the Japanese martial art of Aikido. Ueshiba called the discipline “Art of Peace”. It offers a nonviolent way to victory in the face of conflict, and he believed that Aikido principles could be applied to all the challenges we face in life; in personal and business relationships, as well as in our interactions with society.

Aikido, a modern Japanese martial art, unique in its synthesis of classic forms with a well-defined spiritual base, offers a key to the art of living naturally and unselfishly in a complicated world. It neutralizes aggression and renders attackers harmless. By controlling body position and harmonizing their vital physical and mental powers, anyone, regardless of size, strength or weight, can fend off attacks using this sophisticated martial art.

AI for harmonyKI for spirit, mind, or universal energy,DO for Way

AIKIDO is the "The Way of Harmony with Universal Energy".

Sensei Bio Gabriel is considered the father of Lebanese Aikido. And he remains the honorary president of the Lebanese Aikido Federation.

Sensei Bio learned Aikido at the Hombu Dojo in Tokyo from 1973 till 1978, while working in the shipping business. Between the years of 1978 and 1983, Sensei Bio taught Aikido at the Banzai Dojo in Beirut, with the help of Sensei Mohamad Darwish, a Judoka, and designated several black belt students. However, due to the war, he immigrated to the USA on September 9th, 1983. Due to the civil war, Sensei Bio immigrated to the USA on September 9th, 1983. And today, he resides in Long Island New York, where he owns his own shipping company and has established the Aikido of Nassau County Dojo, where he is still teaching as a senior instructor. However, he keeps his connection with Lebanese Aikido and every summer he travels to Lebanon to give seminars and special instructor classes at one or more of the Dojos Affiliated with the federation. We in Lebanon are very fortunate to have such a resourceful person in the art of Aikido.

Sensei Salim Kaї began his Aikido training in Michigan, USA in 1984, while still a student in Engineering Physics. His initial introduction to the art of Aikido was with Sensei Daniel Sharp and Steve Richter, and under the direct supervision of the late Walter E. Todd. He remained a student there until his return to Lebanon on December 9th, 1993. Upon his arrival to Lebanon he pursued his training and began teaching Aikido on January 19, 1995 to a small group of students at Notre Dame University. In the years to follow, between 1995 and 2000, Sensei Salim taught in about ten clubs throughout Lebanon till he finally settled in his own dojo, Harmony Club. During the summer of 1995, Sensei Salim crossed paths with Sensei Bio Gabriel, and thus became his student.

On June the 1st, 1998, the Lebanese Aikido Federation was founded under the presidency of Sensei Salim Kai.

Since then, the federation is recognized under decree number "569/M/1998" as the official representative of Aikido in Lebanon.

The Lebanese Aikido Federation has been working to promote and organize the art in Lebanon.

Your heart is full of fertile seeds, waiting to sprout.

The founder of Aikido, MoriheiUeshiba, was born on December 14, 1883, to a farming family in an area of the Wakayama Prefecture now known as Tanabe. Among five children, he was the only son. From his father Yoroku, he inherited a samurai's determination and interest in public affairs, and from his mother an intense interest in religion, poetry and art. In his early childhood, Morihei was rather weak and sickly, which led to his preference of staying indoors to read books instead of playing outside. He loved to listen to the miraculous legends of the wonder-working saints "En no Gyoja" and "Kobo Daishi," and was fascinated by the esoteric Buddhist riturals. Morihei had even considered becoming a Buddhist priest at one time.

To counteract his son's daydreaming, Yoroki would recount the tales of Morihei's great-grandfather "Kichiemon," said to be one of the strongest samurai of his day, and encouraged him to study Sumo wrestling and swimming. Morihei became stronger and finally realized the necessity of being strong after his father was attacked and beaten by a gang of thugs hired by a rival politician.

School seemed to bore Morihei as his nervous energy needed a more practical outlet. He took on several jobs, but they too seemed to disillusion him. During a brief stint as a merchant, he finally realized he had an affinity for the martial arts. He greatly enjoyed his study of Jujutsu at the Kito-ryu dojo and Swordsmanship at the ShinkageRyu training center. But as luck would have it, a severe case of Beri-Beri sent him home, where he later married ItogawaHatsu.

After regaining his health during the Russo-Japanese War period, he decided to enlist in the army. Standing at just under five feet tall, he failed to meet the minimum height requirements. He was so upset that he went immediately to the forests and swung on trees trying desperately to stretch his body out. On his next attempt to enlist, he passed his examination and became an infantryman in 1903. During this time he impressed his superiors so much that this commanding officer recommended him for the National Military Academy, but for various reasons he declined the position and resigned from active duty.

Morihei returned home to the farm. Having grown strong during his time in the military, he was now eager to continue physical training. His father built a dojo on his farm and invited the well-known Jujutsu instructor TakakiKiyoichi to tutor him. During this time, young Ueshiba became stronger and found he possessed great skills. At the same time he became more interested in political affairs. In the Spring of 1912, at the age of 29, he and his family moved into the wilderness of Hokkaido. After a few years of struggle, the small village started to prosper. Ueshiba had grown tremendously muscular, to the point that the power he possessed in his arms became almost legendary.

It was during this time in Hokkaido that he met Sokaku Takeda, grandmaster of Daito-ryuAikiJutsu. After meeting Takeda and find himself no match for his teacher, Ueshiba seemed to forget everything else and threw himself into training. After about a month, he went back to Shirataki, build a dojo and invited Takeda to live there, which he did.

Upon hearing of his father's serious illness, Ueshiba sold off most of his property and left the dojo to Takeda. He would not to return to Hokkaido. On his journey home, he impulsively stopped in Ayabe, headquarters for the new Omoto-kyo religion. Here he met the master of the new religion, DeguchiOnisaburo. After being enthralled with Ayabe and Deguchi, he stayed three additional days and upon returning home, found that he had stayed away too long. His father had passed away. Ueshiba took his father's death very hard. He decided to sell off all his ancestral land and move to Ayabe to study Omoto-kyo. For the next eight years, Ueshiba studied with DeguchiOnisaburo, taught Budo, and headed up the local fire brigade.

A pacifist, Deguchi was an advocate of non-violent resistance and universal disarmament. He was noted to have said, "Armament and war are the means by which the landlords and capitalists make their profit, while the poor suffer." It is intriguing that a man of this nature could become so close to a martial artist such as Ueshiba. However, it did not take long for Deguchi to realize that Ueshiba's purpose on earth was " to teach the real meaning of Budo: an end to all fighting and contention."

The study of Omoto-kyo and his association with Onisaburo profoundly affected Ueshiba's life. He once stated that while Sokaku Takeda opened his eyes to the essence of Budo, his enlightenment came from his Omoto-kyo experiences. During his early 40s (around 1925), Ueshiba had several spiritual experiences which so impressed him that his life and his training were forever changed. He realized the true purpose of Budo was love that cherishes and nourishes all beings.

For the next year, many people sought Ueshiba's teaching, among them Tomiki Kenji (who went on to make his own style of Aikido) and the famous Admiral Takeshita. In 1927, DeguchiOnisaburo encouragedUeshiba to separate from Omoto-kyo and being his own way. This he did and moved to Tokyo. Ueshiba's following had grown to the point that he was moved to build a formal dojo in the Ushigome district of the city (the present site of the Aikido World Headquarters). While the dojo was being constructed, many high-ranking instructors of other arts, such and Kano Jigoro, came to visit. They were so impressed that they would dispatch their own students to study under Ueshiba.

In 1931, the "Kobukan" was finished. A "Budo Enhancement Society" was founded in 1932 with Ueshiba as Chief Instructor. It was about this time that students such as ShiodaGozo, ShirataRinjiro and others joined the dojo. Up to the outbreak of World War II, Ueshiba was extremely busy teaching at the Kobukan, as well as holding special classes for the major military and police academies. For the next 10 years,Ueshiba became more and more famous and many stories began to appear in writing. His only son, Kisshomaru, being the "bookworm" that he was, did much of the writing and documenting of the evens of his life.

In 1942, supposedly because of a divine command, he longed to return to the farmlands. He had often said that "Budo and farming are one. " The war had emptied the Kobukan, and he was tired of city life. Leaving the Kobukan in the hands of his son Kisshomaru, he moved to the Ibaraki Prefecture and the village of Iwama. Here he build an outdoor dojo and the now famous Aiki Shrine.

Iwama is considered by many to be the birth place of modern-day Aikido, "the Way of Harmony." Prior to this move, his system had been called Aikijutsu, then Aiki-Budo, still primarily a martial art rather than a spiritual path. From 1942 (when the name Aikido was first formally used) to 1952, Ueshiba consolidated the techniques and perfected the religious philosophy of Aikido.

After the war, Aikido grew rapidly at the Kobukan (now called Hombu Dojo) under the direction of KisshomaruUeshiba. MoriheiUeshiba had become famous as "O Sensei" or "The Grand Teacher," the Master of Aikido. He had also received many decorations from the Japanese government. Right up to the end of his life, O Sensei refined and improved his "Way", never losing his dedication for hard training.

In early Spring 1969, O Sensei fell ill and told his son Kisshomaru that "God is calling me...." He was returned to his home at his request to be near his dojo. On April 15th, his condition became critical. As his students made their last calls, he gave his final instructions. "Aikido is for the entired world. Train not for selfish reasons, but for all people everywhere."

Early on the morning of April 26th, 1969, the 86-year-old O Sensei took his son's hand, smiled and said, "Take care of things" and died. Two months later, Hatsu, his wife of 67 years, followed him. O Sensei's ashes were buried in the family temple in Tanabe. Every year a memorial service is held on April 29th at the Aiki Shrine in Iwama.

Source: http://www.aikidofaq.com/history/osensei.html

The founderof Aikido, MoriheiUeshiba,was born on December 14, 1883, to a farming family in an area of the WakayamaPrefecture now known as Tanabe. Among five children, he was the only son. Fromhis father Yoroku, he inherited a samurai'sdetermination and interest in public affairs, and from his mother an intenseinterest in religion, poetry and art. In his early childhood, Morihei was rather weak and sickly, which led to hispreference of staying indoors to read books instead of playing outside. Heloved to listen to the miraculous legends of the wonder-working saints "Enno Gyoja" and "Kobo Daishi," and wasfascinated by the esoteric Buddhist riturals. Morihei had even considered becoming a Buddhist priest atone time.

Tocounteract his son's daydreaming, Yoroki wouldrecount the tales of Morihei's great-grandfather"Kichiemon," said to be one of thestrongest samurai of his day, and encouraged him to study Sumo wrestling andswimming. Morihei became stronger and finallyrealized the necessity of being strong after his father was attacked and beatenby a gang of thugs hired by a rival politician.

Schoolseemed to bore Morihei as his nervous energy needed amore practical outlet. He took on several jobs, but they too seemed todisillusion him. During a brief stint as a merchant, he finally realized he hadan affinity for the martial arts. He greatly enjoyed his study of Jujutsu atthe Kito-ryu dojo and Swordsmanship at the ShinkageRyu training center. Butas luck would have it, a severe case of Beri-Berisent him home, where he later married ItogawaHatsu.

Afterregaining his health during the Russo-Japanese War period, he decided to enlistin the army. Standing at just under five feet tall, hefailed to meet the minimum height requirements. He was so upset that he wentimmediately to the forests and swung on trees trying desperately to stretch hisbody out. On his next attempt to enlist, he passed his examination and becamean infantryman in 1903. During this time he impressed his superiors so muchthat this commanding officer recommended him for the National Military Academy,but for various reasons he declined the position and resigned from active duty.

Moriheireturned home to the farm. Having grown strong during his time in the military,he was now eager to continue physical training. His father built a dojo on hisfarm and invited the well-known Jujutsu instructor TakakiKiyoichi to tutor him. During this time, young Ueshiba became stronger and found he possessed greatskills. At the same time he became more interested in political affairs. In theSpring of 1912, at the age of 29, he and his familymoved into the wilderness of Hokkaido. After a few years of struggle, the smallvillage started to prosper. Ueshiba had growntremendously muscular, to the point that the power he possessed in his armsbecame almost legendary.

It wasduring this time in Hokkaido that he met Sokaku Takeda, grandmaster ofDaito-ryuAikiJutsu. After meeting Takeda and find himself no match for histeacher, Ueshiba seemed to forget everything else andthrew himself into training. After about a month, he went back to Shirataki, build a dojo and invited Takeda to live there, which he did.

Upon hearingof his father's serious illness, Ueshiba sold offmost of his property and left the dojo to Takeda. He would not to return to Hokkaido. Onhis journey home, he impulsively stopped in Ayabe,headquarters for the new Omoto-kyo religion. Here hemet the master of the new religion, DeguchiOnisaburo. After being enthralled with Ayabeand Deguchi, he stayed three additional days and uponreturning home, found that he had stayed away too long. His father had passedaway. Ueshiba took his father's death very hard. Hedecided to sell off all his ancestral land and move to Ayabeto study Omoto-kyo. For the next eight years, Ueshiba studied with DeguchiOnisaburo, taught Budo, andheaded up the local fire brigade.

A pacifist, Deguchi was an advocate of non-violent resistance anduniversal disarmament. He was noted to have said, "Armament and war arethe means by which the landlords and capitalists make their profit, while thepoor suffer." It is intriguing that a man of this nature could become soclose to a martial artist such as Ueshiba. However,it did not take long for Deguchi to realize that Ueshiba's purpose on earth was " to teach the realmeaning of Budo: an end to all fighting andcontention."

The study ofOmoto-kyo and his association with Onisaburo profoundly affected Ueshiba'slife. He once stated that while Sokaku Takeda opened his eyes tothe essence of Budo, his enlightenment came from hisOmoto-kyo experiences. During his early 40s (around1925), Ueshiba had several spiritual experienceswhich so impressed him that his life and his training were forever changed. Herealized the true purpose of Budo was love thatcherishes and nourishes all beings.

For the nextyear, many people sought Ueshiba's teaching, amongthem Tomiki Kenji (who went on to make his own styleof Aikido) and the famous Admiral Takeshita. In 1927,DeguchiOnisaburoencouraged Ueshiba to separate from Omoto-kyo and being his own way. This he did and moved to Tokyo. Ueshiba's following had grown to the point that he wasmoved to build a formal dojo in the Ushigome districtof the city (the present site of the Aikido World Headquarters). While the dojowas being constructed, many high-ranking instructors of other arts, such andKano Jigoro, came to visit. They were so impressedthat they would dispatch their own students to study under Ueshiba.

In 1931, the"Kobukan" was finished. A "Budo Enhancement Society" was founded in 1932 with Ueshiba as Chief Instructor. It was about this time thatstudents such as ShiodaGozo,ShirataRinjiro and othersjoined the dojo. Up to the outbreak of World War II, Ueshibawas extremely busy teaching at the Kobukan, as wellas holding special classes for the major military and police academies. For thenext 10 years, Ueshiba became more and more famousand many stories began to appear in writing. His only son, Kisshomaru,being the "bookworm" that he was, did much of the writing anddocumenting of the evens of his life.

In 1942,supposedly because of a divine command, he longed to return to the farmlands.He had often said that "Budo and farming are one. " The war had emptied the Kobukan,and he was tired of city life. Leaving the Kobukan inthe hands of his son Kisshomaru, he moved to theIbaraki Prefecture and the village of Iwama. Here he build an outdoor dojo and the now famous AikiShrine.

Iwama isconsidered by many to be the birth place of modern-day Aikido, "the Way ofHarmony." Prior to this move, his system had been called Aikijutsu, then Aiki-Budo, stillprimarily a martial art rather than a spiritual path. From 1942 (when the nameAikido was first formally used) to 1952, Ueshibaconsolidated the techniques and perfected the religious philosophy of Aikido.

After thewar, Aikido grew rapidly at the Kobukan (now called Hombu Dojo) under the direction of KisshomaruUeshiba. MoriheiUeshiba had become famous as "O Sensei" or "The Grand Teacher,"the Master of Aikido. He had also received many decorations from the Japanesegovernment. Right up to the end of his life, O Sensei refined and improved his"Way", never losing his dedication for hard training.

In early Spring 1969, O Sensei fell ill and told his son Kisshomaru that "God is calling me...." He wasreturned to his home at his request to be near his dojo. On April 15th, hiscondition became critical. As his students made their last calls, he gave hisfinal instructions. "Aikido is for the entiredworld. Train not for selfish reasons, but for all people everywhere."

Early on themorning of April 26th, 1969, the 86-year-old O Sensei took his son's hand, smiled and said,"Take care of things" and died. Two months later, Hatsu,his wife of 67 years, followed him. O Sensei's ashes were buried in the familytemple in Tanabe. Every year a memorial service is held on April 29th at the Aiki Shrine in Iwama.

Events

Wilco Vriesman Sensei-Winter 2013

Wilko Vriesman Sensei is a 6th Dan Aikido master and the technical director of the Netherlands. He lead the annual seminar held at Mont La Salle Club, Ain Saadeh on December 21 and 22, 2013. Ms Satomi Ishikawa, 4th Dan Aikido master and wife of Wilko Sensei had a significant participation in the Seminar.
All Aikidokas were welcomed on Saturday Dec 21st from 15:00 to 17:00 and on Sunday Dec 22nd from 10:00 to 13:00. Tatami was also open for new comers who wanted to try Aikido.
Wilko Sensei received a honorary award for his valuable visit.
The federation's accredited senseis also received honorary awards.
and a honorary medal and honorary shodan were offered to former aikidoka and board member, Jacques Charbot who sadly passed away early 2013.
Check the gallery and join our official facebook group www.facebook.com/groups/lebaneseaikidofederation and interact with us.